Pre-show Panel Discussion with Black Men's Wellness
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View Upcoming EventsJoin us for a pre-show panel discussion as part of BIPOC Affinity Night for The Brothers Size, featuring Black Men’s Wellness. This conversation will explore themes of brotherhood, healing, and mental well-being in Black communities, connecting the play’s powerful narrative to real-life experiences.
This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
ABOUT THE PANELISTS
Patrick Shaw
4Fathers works with men to promote healthy romantic relationships, healthy parenting, effective approaches for stress management, life skill development, health and wellness practices, career planning, economic empowerment and mentorship.
Commissioner Lakayana Yotoma Drury
(He/Him/His) is a social entrepreneur, educator, community advocate, writer, poet, and filmmaker. He is the founder and executive director of Word is Bond, a nonprofit leadership incubator for young Black men based out of Portland, OR which he formed in 2017. At his core, Lakayana is a storyteller who harnesses the power of community engagement and various mediums of art, including poetry, music, drawing and painting, photography, and film to uplift hidden stories and inspire others to collective action.
Mike “Bretto” Jackson
Bretto is a father, activist, musician and recording artist who has substantial experience in mentoring and workforce development. For eight years, he served as the Self Enhancement Inc. studio/music composition coordinator where he mentored youth through “Black” music history and production. Bretto started the Role-models Applying Positive Pressure, or R.A.P.P. Music-Mentoring Program at The Rosewood Initiative (under Jenny Glass) with David Jackson (aka Portland Trailblazers DJ, OG One), He was also an employment specialist and navigator for the InFocus program at SE Works, and currently works for POIC as the Community Healing Initiative/Elevate Mentoring Program Manager. Where he mentors so-called “African American” and “Hispanic” gang-impacted young adults and formerly incarcerated young adults through culture, wellness, career-oriented employment, crisis response, and knowledge of self. At the same time, he is the founder and co- director of a nonprofit organization called “Leaders Become Legends”, to provide mentoring through employment to help create leaders int he community, starting in the clean energy workforce. He hopes to help foster a better future and inspire young adults to help others through trauma-informed work, including as a Lines for Life Cultural Community Advocate.
Darrell Wade
Founder of Black Men's Wellness, a community-driven organization dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and resilience of Black men. With a passion for health equity, mental wellness, and environmental justice, Darrell has been a leading advocate in addressing the systemic barriers that disproportionately impact Black men’s health. His work focuses on creating culturally competent health programs, expanding access to preventive care, and building workforce opportunities in climate-resilient industries. Through Black Men's Wellness, Darrell continues to empower Black men to take control of their health, build strong communities, and thrive in all aspects of life.
All people who self identify as BIPOC, and their guests, are specifically invited to attend. Though no one will be turned away, it is encouraged that folks outside of the BIPOC community join us on another night!
Thank you to our partners! Enjoy complimentary beverages provided by our generous Affinity Night partners, Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery.

Black Men’s Wellness is a community-based initiative that addresses health concerns commonly affecting Black and African-American men, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, and more.
Through culturally specific, trauma-informed workshops, we engage African-American men of all ages to identify and discuss health concerns they are currently experiencing and/or are susceptible to. We offer curriculum and activities focused on healthy eating and physical fitness to raise awareness, equip participants, and promote strategies for prevention.
Black Men’s Wellness was founded by community activist and educator Darrell Wade, who has over 20 years’ of experience providing direct services and advocacy centered around racial equity, public health, and wellness for underserved populations and communities of color.
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).